How much sun does Yellow trillium need?

Yellow trillium grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Yellow trillium bloom?

Yellow trillium blooms in March and April.

Where is Yellow trillium native?

Yellow trillium (Trillium luteum) is native to AL, GA, KY, MD and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Yellow trillium attract?

Yellow trillium draws bees and beetles.

Yellow trillium

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Trillium luteum

Last reviewed: October 2026

Yellow trillium (Trillium luteum) is a perennial forb native to AL, GA, KY, MD and 2 more states. It blooms in March and April. The flowers draw bees and beetles.

Toxicity unknown

Yellow trillium (Trillium luteum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

8"–16" H × 8"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr

Native to

AL, GA, KY, MD and 2 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Interior Plateau

Low woodland perennial with three mottled green and silver leaves in a whorl and a single upright lemon-scented yellow flower in early spring, found in rich shaded forests. Goes dormant by midsummer.

Growing Yellow trillium

Grow Yellow trillium in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 8 to 16 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Early spring flowers offer nectar and pollen to emerging bees and beetles before the tree canopy fully leafs out.

Common questions

How much sun does Yellow trillium need?: Yellow trillium grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Yellow trillium bloom?: Yellow trillium blooms in March and April.
Where is Yellow trillium native?: Yellow trillium (Trillium luteum) is native to AL, GA, KY, MD and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Yellow trillium attract?: Yellow trillium draws bees and beetles.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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